Creole Cream Cheese Spaetzle Recipes

CREOLE CREAM CHEESE

Steps:

• In a large heavy-bottomed saucepot over medium heat with a kitchen thermometer attached to the rim, warm the milk and buttermilk to 85°F. Add one-quarter of the rennet tablet and transfer the mixture to a plastic container or bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and then poke a few holes in the plastic to allow the steam to escape. Let stand at room temperature in a cool spot in your house for 48 hours.
• Use a slotted spoon to transfer the solids to a double layer of cheesecloth set over a bowl and discard the liquid. Wrap the solids in the cheesecloth and hang it over the bowl (to catch the whey) in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
• Discard the whey. Pack the cheese into an airtight plastic container and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

CHEESY CREOLE GRITS

Steps:

• In a large saucepot combine 3 cups of water, milk, Creole seasoning and salt. Bring to a boil.
• Whisking, add grits in a slow steady stream. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover, stirring occasionally until thickened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
• Remove from the heat and stir in butter and cheese. Top with Andouille Sausage Creole, if desired.

CREOLE CREAM CHEESE SPAETZLE

Steps:

• Place the flour in a bowl and stir in the Creole cream cheese. Whisk in the eggs, one at a time, until you have a smooth batter. (If you still have too many lumps, you can strain the batter through a fine sieve.) Stir in the herbs and season with salt and pepper.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Select a colander with fairly large holes (about 1/4 inch). Pour in about a third of the batter and, with a plastic spatula, scrape the batter through the holes into the simmering water. The spaetzle will rise to the surface when they are ready, in about 3 minutes. Let them simmer on the surface for another 30 seconds or so, then use a slotted spoon or strainer to transfer them to a bowl of ice water. Repeat the process with the remaining batter.
• To reserve the spaetzle until serving, drain them and toss with a little oil, then store them in a covered container (don't pack too tightly) and refrigerate until needed.
• To serve, sauté the spaetzle in a hot nonstick skillet, with a little olive oil or butter, until they are lightly browned and crusty.

KAESE SPAETZLE

Steps:

• Sift together flour, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Beat eggs in a medium bowl. Alternately mix in milk and the flour mixture until smooth. Let stand for 30 minutes.
• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Press batter through a spaetzle press into the water. You may also use a potato ricer, colander, or a cheese grater. When the spaetzle has floated to the top of the water, remove it to a bowl with a slotted spoon. Mix in 1 cup of the cheese.
• Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, and cook until golden. Stir in spaetzle and remaining cheese until well blended. Remove from heat, and serve immediately.